CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF CHILDREN OFTEN

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

SEXUAL ASSAULT OF CHILDREN OFTEN INCLUDES INCEST as a subset of this form of sexual assault. While there is a substantial amount of overlap in the two types of assault, here we have separated them in recognition of the different needs that victims of each type of assault may have. A THIRD OF SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN ARE KEEPING A FAMILY SECRET CUASVAHH

CONTACT CAN INCLUDE: • • • FONDLING OBSCENE PHONE CALLS EXHIBITIONISM MASTURBATION INTERCOURSE ORAL OR ANAL SEX PROSTITUTION PORNOGRAPHY ANY OTHER SEXUAL CONDUCT THAT IS HARMFUL TO A CHILD’S MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, OR

ADDITIONAL FEATURES • MAY CONSIST OF A SINGLE INCIDENT OR MANY ACTS OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. • ABUSE IS MORE OFTEN PERPETRATED BY SOMEONE KNOWN TO THE CHILD. • ABUSE MAY ESCALATE OVER TIME, PARTICULARLY IF THE ABUSER IS A

Many adults tend to overlook, to minimize, to explain away, or to disbelieve allegations of abuse. This may be particularly true if the perpetrator is a family member. Gender inequality and rampant poverty in Haiti worsen the situation. ADULT REACTIONS

NOTE: The absence of force or coercion does not diminish the abusive nature of the conduct, but, sadly, it may cause the child to feel responsible for what has occurred.

WARNING SIGNS Physical Signs • DIFFICULTY WALKING OR SITTING • BLOODY, TORN, OR STAINED UNDERCLOTHES • BLEEDING, BRUISES, OR SWELLING IN GENITAL AREA • PAIN, ITCHING, OR BURNING IN GENITAL AREA • FREQUENT URINARY OR YEAST INFECTIONS

WARNING SIGNS Behavioral Signs REPORTS SEXUAL ABUSE INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR NIGHTMARES OR BED-WETTING LARGE WEIGHT CHANGES/MAJOR CHANGES IN APPETITE • SUICIDE ATTEMPTS OR SELF-HARMING, ESPECIALLY IN ADOLESCENTS • SHRINKS AWAY OR SEEMS THREATENED BY PHYSICAL CONTACT • RUNS AWAY • • •

WARNING SIGNS Common Reactions • • • WITHDRAWAL DEPRESSION SLEEPING & EATING DISORDERS SELF-MUTILATION PHOBIAS PSYCHOSOMATIC SYMPTOMS (STOMACHACHES, HEADACHES) SCHOOL PROBLEMS (ABSENCES, DROPS IN GRADES) POOR HYGIENE/EXCESSIVE BATHING ANXIETY GUILT